The Place of Canadian and World Studies in the Curriculum
The Canadian and world studies program encompasses five subjects: economics geography, history, law, and politics. In studying these subjects, students learn how people interact with and within their social and physical environments today, and how they did so in the past.

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The main goals of the Canadian and world studies program in Grades 9 and 10 are to help students to:

gain an understanding of the basic concepts of the subjects taught at this level, as a foundation for further studies in the discipline;

develop the knowledge and values they need to become responsible, active, and informed Canadian citizens in the twenty-first century;

develop practical skills (such as critical-thinking, research, and communication skills), some of which are particular to a given subject in Canadian and world studies and some of which are common to all the subjects in the discipline;

apply the knowledge and skills they acquire in Canadian and world studies courses to better understand their interactions with the natural environment; the political, economic, and cultural interactions among groups of people; the relationship between technology and society; and the factors contributing to society’s continual evolution.

Geography is an integrative subject that brings a va riety of perspectives, both social and physical, to the study of people, places, and environments around the world. Knowing where physical,
social, or political events or processes occur helps students gain a spatial perspective on them.

Understanding the processes that shape the earth and knowing how life forms interact with the env i ronment allow them to view events from an ecological perspective. Historical and economic perspectives help students understand the relationship between people and their
environments, as well as interactions that occur among groups of people. Studying geography, students receive practical guidance for decision making and problem solving in geographic planning, economic development, and environmental and resource management.

As the world’s economies become increasingly interdependent, as pressures on the world’s resources mount, and as concerns about issues such as global warming, urbanization, and population growth escalate, people need to become geographically literate and able to make informed judgements about environmental and social issues. The Grade 9 Geography of Canada course provides students with a foundation in this essential area of learning.

The study of history fulfils a fundamental human desire to know about our past. It also appeals to us because of our love of stories – and history consists of stories. Through the narrative of history we hear and see the people, events, emotions, struggles, and challenges that produced the present and that will shape the future. The better we understand history, the easier it becomes to understand other times and places. Such knowledge teaches us that our particular accomplishments and problems are not unique – an important lesson in a world in which the forces of globalization are drawing people of different cultures closer together.

Canadian and world studies offers students a variety of history courses that will enhance their knowledge of and appreciation for the story of Canada. The compulsory Grade 10 course, Canadian History Since World War I, focuses on the events and personalities that have shaped our nation since 1914. Optional Canadian history courses in Grades 11 and 12 provide further opportunities to investigate Canada’s past and examine issues that the country will face in the future.

LAW

Students should know about the historical development and philosophical foundations of our legal system. Students need to develop respect for the law, an understanding of its relevance to everyday life, and an appreciation of the benefits of a dynamic legal system. The study of law enhances students’ ability to participate effectively in society and to think critically and communicate effectively.